JJay
International Hazard
Posts: 3440
Registered: 15-10-2015
Member Is Offline
|
|
Crucible Materials
I am looking at purchasing some crucibles for doing calcinations and melting small quantities of metals, as well as other high-temperature processes
that involve solid reactants and intermediates.
I see zirconia, alumina, graphite, and porcelain crucibles on eBay. Most hobbyists who I know who melt metal like graphite, but I'm not sure how it
would fare with oxidizing reactants. I remember using porcelain ones in chemistry classes.
What are the advantages / tradeoffs of various types of crucibles, and what kinds do you suggest keeping around for general use?
|
|
|
zed
International Hazard
Posts: 2283
Registered: 6-9-2008
Location: Great State of Jefferson, City of Portland
Member Is Offline
Mood: Semi-repentant Sith Lord
|
|
Graphite with oxidizing reagents? Expect fire.
|
|
|
Magpie
lab constructor
Posts: 5939
Registered: 1-11-2003
Location: USA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Chemistry: the subtle science.
|
|
I have melted silver in ceramic crucibles that I bought from a gold assay supplier. I believe they are mullite.
The single most important condition for a successful synthesis is good mixing - Nicodem
|
|
|
JJay
International Hazard
Posts: 3440
Registered: 15-10-2015
Member Is Offline
|
|
Quote: Originally posted by Magpie  | | I have melted silver in ceramic crucibles that I bought from a gold assay supplier. I believe they are mullite. |
Mullite looks like it would work well as a crucible material. It would also be excellent for tube furnaces.
|
|
|
![[*]](images/xpblue/default_icon.gif){kind=icon}
